| Midtown News Updates |
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MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
DECEMBER 2: LAST CALL: MRA GENERAL MEETING: Long Awaited plans for GREER PARK - City Staff and MRA will have a public meeting to review plans for last 1.5 acres of Greer as well as updates for the child area. Confirmed location is Emerson School on West Bayshore. Doors open at 6:45PM to view proposals.
SHOP LOCALLY:
** Get a Jump on the Holidays! Butterfly Life Women’s Fitness of Palo Alto is now offering Personal Training for Women at affordable rates. Come in for your choice of a Complimentary Training Session or a Week Free Membership! Tamar, Shauna, or Keith will guide you towards your fitness goals! Call 566-0100 to schedule your appointment. Holiday Gift Certificates are available for Membership, Personal Training, Yoga, or Belly Dancing!!
Butterfly Life of Palo Alto, Midtown Shopping Center (Behind Long's Drugs), 2695 Middlefield Road.
** Shop Local at Nature's Alley! Visit Nature's Alley, now in its 9th year in Midtown, just across the parking lot from Long's. Known for unique floral designs, gifts and home decor, they offer local delivery and free gift wrap. Stop in for hostess gift ideas, holiday decor and more at surprisingly affordable prices.
NOVEMBER 22-23: Martha Castillo Holiday Boutique & Open Studio at 772 Clara Drive. Also at 3492 Janice Way, six artists will show art and fine crafts for the holiday. Her Workshop Schedule for 2009! Been wanting to learn clayprinting?
Need a refresher? Martha Castillo clayprint studios offers one day workshops to learn clayprinting February 7, March 21, April 25. Beginners, join experienced clayprinters for a day, to learn this new skill. Current clayprinters, join us to brush up your technique. Enrollment opens Thanksgiving Day! FEE: $125, plus $10 materials fee for first time students.
marthacastillo.net/workshops. Contact Martha at 493-7763 or www.marthacastillo.net.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
DECEMBER 1 at CITY COUNCIL: 7 PM: Study Session: 2020 Peninsula Gateway Corridor (US101); Approval of a Request to Initiate a Preliminary Review of a Planned Community (PC) Application for Edgewood Plaza, Including a Mixed-Use Development of 24 Single-Family Residences and Two Retail Buildings; Evaluation of Alternatives and Direction on Implementation of a Bike Rental/Bike Sharing Program; Conceptual Approval of City of Palo Alto Sponsorship for 2009 National Senior Games, Direction to Staff to Negotiate a Contract with the National Senior Games Associates.
For more: http://www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=14222
2) CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
DECEMBER 4: ARB agenda includes Request by Premiere Properties, on behalf of the Elks for an Architectural Review for the construction of a new two-story Elks Lodge, approximately 37,500 square feet in size, 126 surface parking spaces and associated site improvements on a 2.82-acre site; Request by Palo Alto Housing Corporation, on behalf of the Peninsula Endowment, Inc., for Architectural Review of plans for a 100% affordable housing development consisting of 35-units in one building at 488 W Charleston; Stanford University Medical Center Modernization and Expansion Project: Study Session for the proposed Hoover Pavilion expansion. 8:30AM City hall council chambers.
DECEMBER 13: SANDBAG DAY at the Municipal Services Center at 3201 E. Bayshore Road, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Palo Alto community members are needed to help make and deliver sandbags to their neighbors who cannot do the work themselves. Join them if you can!
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=10085
To volunteer call Barbara Cimino at 617-3164. Two hour shifts are from 10 AM 12 Noon, 12 Noon - 2 PM or 2 - 4 PM.
Volunteers may perform one of two tasks: filling sandbags or assisting fellow residents who are unable to get sandbags to their homes. If you need assistance, there will be volunteers there willing to help after 11 AM. The City's yellow sandbagging machine will be in operation so gloves, hard hats and safety goggles are required & will be provided as needed.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
NOTE ON DOWNTOWN WONDERLAND. Midtown's CELTIC ROSE will be performing in front of Bell’s Book Store (536 Emerson) from 6:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy the holiday harmonies of Celtic Rose while strolling the shops of downtown Palo Alto.
Questions? Call Caroline at 322-6297. See below for more December 4, 11 etc
DECEMBER 4: Kara's Annual Light-A-Candle Holiday Service an Interfaith Gathering of Remembrance, Celebrate the Holiday by lighting a candle in memory of loved ones who have died, 7 PM Unity Palo Alto Community Church - 3391 Middlefield.
DECEMBER 6: Your Yoga in Portrait With Darshana teacher and artist Katrin Kuttner (MFA) from 2:15 – 3:45 PM. FEE: $25.00. What does your favorite yoga pose mean to you? Through asana we can express our inner most intention. Join a playful workshop of reflection, seeing and learning!
After a yoga practice, working from the inside out, we will photograph you in the pose you choose, giving you something that you can take with you and share. A high resolution jpg will be emailed to you soon after the workshop, special prints are optional.
http://www.darshanayoga.com/events.html
Please e-mail or call ahead to reserve your space! 325-9642 or cdlsyoga@earthlink.net.
DECEMBER 6, 5:00 PM, First Lutheran, 600 Homer Ave. Mixed Blessings, a world-premiere performance by the chorus Soli Deo Gloria, presents the human side to the divine Christmas story. Written by Artistic Director Allen Simon (and mid-town resident!).
Mixed Blessings, with text and music composed by Artistic Director Allen Simon, is a witty, sometimes quirky, and often poignant take on the behind-the-scenes thoughts and adventures that unfold during the events leading up to the Nativity. With an expanded cast of characters, this oratorio features solos, choruses of angels and townspeople contributing their personal thoughts and desires as the Divine Story intersects with real life. A human side that has never been told - until now! FEE: $25 (general), $20 at door for (student/senior); discount for advance purchase.
Call 888/SDG-SONG or order online: www.sdgloria.org
DECEMBER 6: Avalon Art & Yoga presents: Karma Moffett's Tibetan Bell Experience from 8:15-10:15 PM at their centre at 370 S. California Avenue.
DECEMBER 9: December 9, at 7:30 PM join the Midpeninsula Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Rd. to watch the best shorts from YouTube, Blip, and other video sites at our first "YouTube" Faves Night! Enjoy 90 minutes of PG-rated, inspirational, hilarious, artistic, political, poignant, musical and otherwise provocative video clips in the company of others on a large, flat screen TV. Haven't we all seen a great video online while alone in our room; face-to-laptop; headphones squishing ears; wishing somebody (not a "virtual" somebody) was there to share the experience and reaction? If you want to recommend a great web video under 5 minutes (G or PG rated) on any subject, send the URL and it will be considered for the mix. Cost: Free! (donations for popcorn are accepted)
DECEMBER 13-14: Friends of the Library Used Book Sales: Shop for bargains galore! Books make a wonderful holiday gift at Cubberley Community Center Book Sale Location, 4000 Middlefield. On Saturday, Main Room opens 11 AM - 4 PM with tickets are available at 8 AM. The outdoor $1 sale starts at 9 AM. Members get in early this month!. Children's Room K6 & Bargain Room K7 open 10 AM - 4 PM. On Sunday, Main Room is open 1 PM - 4 PM; Children's room from 1 - 4 PM; Bargain Room from 11 AM - 4 PM; 50% sale / $5 a bag.
JANUARY 10: Next CANOPY Tree walk in Southgate. Meet at Palo Alto High School parking lot at Churchill and Castilleja. 10 am till noon.
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Ten fire-safety - tips for homeowners.
TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO To Promote Conservation in Your Daily Life: from World Wildlife
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
DECEMBER 2: Long Awaited plans for GREER PARK - City Staff and MRA will have a public meeting to review plans for last 1.5 acres of Greer as well as updates for the child area. Confirmed location is Emerson School on West Bayshore. Doors open at 6:45PM to view proposals.
Does anyone have a bike to sell? From Michael: I'd just like to put the word out that Sunday night/Monday early morning, my roommate's and my bike were stolen from outside our residence on Louis Road, we filed police reports and they said they'd let us know if it becomes part of a trend. We reckon they were taken because they were only locked to themselves (wheel to frame) and they were on the side porch instead of round the back of the house. If this hasn't been reported already, I'd like to remind people to keep bikes out of sight, because I reckon it will be some guys with a truck driving around and just tossing them in the back, lock and all. And just in case, if anyone's seen them thrown up in a tree or something, that would be good to know too. Finally, if anyone has a full-size adult male bike to sell, email me, it's my only means of transport! Michael Bateman at mbateman@stanford.edu
SHOP LOCALLY:
NOVEMBER 22-23: Martha Castillo Holiday Boutique & Open Studio at 772 Clara Drive. Also at 3492 Janice Way, six artists will show art and fine crafts for the holiday. Her Workshop Schedule for 2009! Been wanting to learn clayprinting? Need a refresher? Martha Castillo clayprint studios offers one day workshops to learn clayprinting February 7, March 21, April 25. Beginners, join experienced clayprintersfor a day, to learn this new skill. Current clayprinters, join us to brush up your technique.Enrollment opens Thanksgiving Day! FEE: $125, plus $10 materials fee for first time students. Contact Martha at 493-7763 or www.marthacastillo.net.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
DECEMBER 13: SANDBAG DAY: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=10085. Join them if you can!
TRUSTEE VACANCY: Foothill DeAnza Community College District to fill a recent vacancy. For more information or to obtain an application, email trustee_appointment@fhda.edu or call 949-6100. Applications must be received by 5 PM December 1. More about the district at www.fhda.edu
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Police Chief, Lynne Johnson, will retire December 19. See http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=10128
COLOR OF PALO ALTO: The polls are now open to vote on 'The Color of Palo Alto.' December 5th is the final day to vote. Visit the project website and click on 'VOTE' to cast your selection for one of the three final candidates. Click on http://www.thecolorofpaloalto.org. For more contact, Samuel Yates at samuelyates@thecolorofpaloalto.com. If you live in Palo Alto the poll asks you to use your City of Palo Alto Utilities account number, found on your utility bill, to verify that you are a resident. We have one poll for residents and another for non-residents.
The Future of Racial Profiling. Given the recent local march against racial profiling and the passage of the Palo Alto City Council's resolution condemning racial profiling, many are wondering about the appropriate next steps the public, city officials and the police can take. The current edition of Talking with Henrietta addresses this question and explores the different ways the City of Palo Alto can empower its police department while simultaneously protecting everyone's rights. Stanford Professor H. Richard Banks, Palo Alto Weekly Editor Jay Thorwaldson, East Palo Alto City Council member David Woods, Palo Alto City Council member Pat Burt participated in this discussion, which was moderated by the show's host Henrietta J. Burroughs. Their video discussion will run on Channel 27 on the Midpeninsula from Sunday, November 16 through Saturday, November 29. This show can also be seen on Fridays@noon, Saturdays@1:30 PM, Sundays @5 PM, Mondays @8 AM and Thursdays@8 PM. It can also be seen on the web at the above days and times at www.midpenmedia.org/. More details about the show can be found at http://www.epatoday.org, the website for East Palo Alto Today.
NOVEMBER 21: Moffett Field Celebrates its 75th year at 11:30AM. Festivities will have a classic car show, music and period costumes. FREE. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11028824?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com
NOVEMBER 22 & DECEMBER 4; Canopy needs volunteers. Nov 22: Volunteers Needed! Ashton St. Planting 9 -11 AM. Meet at 549 Ashton Ave. Dec 4: Rinconada Park Planting with Genentech, 1:30 -4 PM. Please RVSP to sharon@canopy.org. http://www.canopy.org
DECEMBER 1 & 15:
DECEMBER 4, 11, 18: DOWNTOWN PALO ALTO Invites you to a winter Wander Land, Thursday evenings from 6 TO 8 P.M. Carolers, Caribbean Bands, Celtic Musicians, KWANZAA Performers and more will ring in the season with cheer throughout Downtown Palo Alto. Bring Family & Friends; Savor Roasted Chestnuts & Hot Cider While You Shop. For more call 223-4334.
DECEMBER 7: Cubberley Artists Holiday Open House (wings E,F,U) at 4000 Middlefield road from 2-5 PM. www.cubberleystudios.com. Make your own work of art, still life painting, band weaving, collage, monotype, wire sculpture, wire ornaments. FREE with refreshments.
DECEMBER 7- JANUARY 11: LEGO at the Museum of American Heritage Homer Avenue. Visitors can explore a variety of LEGO creations and an operating LEGO train layout featuring a wide variety of creations by club members. Highlighting it all is Holidays in the Bay Area, a 12 by 25 foot train layout incorporating multiple trains running through city, farm, and suburban scenes. How many Bay Area locales and structures will you be able to identify. Normal exhibit hours (11 - 4, Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
DECEMBER 7: Viva La Musica! presents: Celebrate The Nativity at 3:00 -5:00 PM at St. Mark's Church, 600 Colorado Ave. http://www.saint-marks.com. Viva la Musica! choir and orchestra presents Celebrate the Nativity, a set of three unique holiday selections: Durante's Magnificat , Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols, and Ramirez' Navidad Nuestra, all evoking the mystery and exuberance of Christ's birth. The Masquers Carol by Richard Evans will close the program. Fee $15-$25.
DECEMBER 12 & 19: Heart to Heart: A seminar on growing up for parents and kids for girls and their mothers. FEE:$75.
DECEMBER 13: Gamble Garden Kid's Holiday Puppet Shows. Performances at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Where: 1431 Waverley Street, http://www.gamblegarden.org. FEE: $10/person for members; $15/person for non-members. Reservations are required. Space is limited. Ages 3+ accompanied by an adult. For more call 329-1356 x201.
DECEMBER 18: Monthly USGS Lecture: Gemstone Deposits of the United States -- Commercial sources and localities visited by mineral collectors, FREE at 7PM at 345 Middlefield Road, Conference Room A, Bldg 3, Menlo Park . For questions contact Amelia Barrales at abarrales2@usgs.gov, or 329-5136.
JANUARY 10: Next CANOPY Tree walk in Southgate. Meet at Palo Alto High School parking lot at Churchill and Castilleja 10 am till noon.
JANUARY 27: AnxietyDisorders and ADHD With Betsy Corrin, PhD at Lucile Packard from 7- 8:30 PM. All the answers to the most burning questions about Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dr. Betsy Corrin, Clinical Child Psychologist and Director of our Anxiety Disorders Clinic hosts an evening devoted to discussion of the following topics: 1) Generation of behavior plans that create consistent structure and improve behavior during morning routines, homework time, and bedtime. 2) Maintenance of praise and positive attention, while ignoring certain behaviors, 3) Facilitation of appropriate discipline techniques for your child. FREE, call to register 724-3783
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Tracy wants to share this American Red Cross tip with you on Holiday Mail for Heros: See: http://www.redcross.org/email/saf/index.asp?OID=ForwardToAFriend
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
DECEMBER 2: Long Awaited plans for GREER PARK - City Staff and MRA will have a public meeting to review plans for last 1.5 acres of Greer as well as updates for the child area. Confirmed location is Emerson School on West Bayshore. Doors open at 6:45PM to view proposals.
CRIME WATCH: From MRA President Peggy Kenny: "the primary lesson is for all of us to get to know our neighbors better, and be aware of situations that don't seem right. The police have asked repeatedly for citizens to phone immediately when a situation looks suspicious. In most cases, the suspicion is justified, and a timely call to police can result in arrests." Please contact this editor if you would like to become a Block Preparedness Coordinator (BPC) or have a neighborhood watch for your block. The next training for BPCs will be on December 10th at Cubberly. More details forthcoming.
HOUSE FOR RENT: Abby writes: If you know of anyone, please send them my way. It's a 3 BR, 2 & 1/2 bath with all appliances, pool, yard, nicely located at the end of a very quiet cul de sac. It would be the perfect rental for someone remodelling who wants a fairly short-term lease. Contact her at abbydomine@yahoo.com
MIDTOWN GARDEN: Plots now available in the Midtown Garden! There’s still time to plant a winter crop, and join in the garden community. $0.16/square foot. Call or email Susan Stansbury at 938-9300 x11 or email sstansbury@conexions.org, for more information.
SHOP LOCALLY: Winter ice skating class sign ups will start Monday, November 17th at Winter Lodge from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The classes will start December 1st. For more information call 493-4566 or visit our website at http://www.winterlodge.com.
Pat writes "A plug for a local business" : Some of you may know Shady Lane on University Ave, roughly across the street from Borders. The store has lots of lovely jewelry, bookends, teddies, tchotchkes -- all made by local artists at good prices. The landlord has doubled the rent. This is troubling, but typical. Building owners always know they can get a chain store to pay whatever they ask, often forcing the locals out of business. Shady Lane has been around since at least the 70's. With the holidays coming up, it's a good place to find unique gifts and support local artists. http://www.shadylanegallery.com
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
NOVEMBER 14: The Stanford Women's Basketball team, currently ranked second in the nation, has two exciting games soon in Maples Pavilion on the Stanford Campus. The first is against the University of Minnesota Gophers on Nov. 14 at 7:00 PM. The second is against Rutgers University, currently ranked third in the nation. The Stanford/Rutgers game is at 1:00 PM, Nov. 23. This will be followed by a fundraising auction in Arrillaga Family Center. See items at http://www.stanfordfbc.org/FBCFiles/Auction2008/auction_stanford.htm
NOVEMBER 17: REVISED DATE: Community Meeting on New Affordable Housing Development for working families and seniors on Alma Street. at 7:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church; Fellowship Hall at 1140 Cowper Street. Park at the rear of the building or on the street Community Housing Alliance (CHA), a Palo Alto nonprofit housing organization and Eden Housing, Inc., also a nonprofit housing organization, plan to build 50 apartments affordable for working families and 50 apartments for seniors on Alma Street between Homer and Channing. The plans also include space for a new and expanded Palo Alto Hardware store along with other commercial spaces on the first floor of the two buildings.
PARKS & REC COMMISSION - November 18 at 7 PM in city hall: Study Session - Discussion of development of a strategic plan as a companion document to the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Update to 2020, the scope of which would include arts & sciences, parks, human services and recreation
CITY COUNCIL: NOVEMBER 17 at 7PM: Operational Analysis of the City of Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course; Public hearing on Restrict Food Vendors from Providing Prepared Food in Disposable Food Service Containers Made from Polystyrene or Non-Recyclable Plastic to Customer, amending the zoning map for 420 Cambridge Avenue to PTOD, plus Update on City Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION:
The City of Palo Alto has openings on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The deadline for applications is 5:30 PM Nov. 13th. For mote call the City Clerk's Office, 329-2571. If one of the incumbents does not reapply, the deadline will be extended to November 18.
TRUSTEE VACANCY: Foothill deAnza Community College District to fill a recent vacancy. For more information or to obtain an application, email trustee_appointment@fhda.edu or call 949-6100. Applications must be received by 5 PM December 1. More about the district at www.fhda.edu
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
COLOR OF PALO ALTO: The polls are now open to vote on 'The Color of Palo Alto.' December 5th is the final day to vote. Visit the project website and click on 'VOTE' to cast your selection for one of the three final candidates.
Click on http://www.thecolorofpaloalto.org. For more contact, Samuel Yates at samuelyates@thecolorofpaloalto.com. If you live in Palo Alto the poll asks you to use your City of Palo Alto Utilities account number, found on your utility bill, to verify that you are a resident. We have one poll for residents and another for non-residents. There is no age requirement (elementary school students can participate, for example).
NOVEMBER 14: Sea Scout Building at the Duck Pond is currently scheduled to be lifted off of its foundation and deposited on a temporary foundation on the adjacent parking lot on this Friday between 10 AM and 1 PM, subject to weather, etc. There will be a number of interested Sea Scout building proponents present to witness this small bit of history. Come join them.
NOVEMBER 15-16 from 10 AM to 5 PM"Giving Thanks for the Children" Boutique Fundraiser for Lucile Packard Children's Hospital THIS weekend.
NOVEMBER 25: Cafe Scientifique presents Dr. Paul Erhlich of Stanford, who will discuss his new book, The Dominant Animal: Human Evolution and the Environment: The book addresses human population, dominance, and the rapidly changing world we live in. This talk will be held at a one-time different location, The Stanford Bookstore on White Plaza on the Stanford Campus, from Noon to 1:30 PM. Admission is free and coffee and refreshments are complimentary. See http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu/news/Scientifique.html
DECEMBER 6- 7 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Rochelle Ford's Holiday Art Show.
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MEDIA CENTER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
TIPS
VIRUS REPORT from several sources: SNOPES VERIFIED VIRUS -- NO JOKE!
With Christmas fast approaching, watch out for this. Be alert. Please read the following. It applies to FedEx as well. Thanks.: The newest virus circulating is the UPS Delivery Failure. You will receive an email from UPS Packet Service along with a packet number. NOTE: The word packet is misspelled on this line. It will say that they were unable to deliver a package sent to you on such and such a date. It then asks you to print out the invoice copy attached. DON'T TRY TO PRINT THIS. IT LAUNCHES THE VIRUS! Pass this warning on to all your PC operators at work and home. This virus has caused millions of dollars in damage in the past few days. Snopes confirms that it is real: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp
FROM ADOBE MEADOWS NEWS: Will a Pedometer Help You Stay Fit? Should you use a pedometer when you exercise? Johns Hopkins provides advice. Pedometers have become increasingly popular in the last few years, particularly in the wake of the American Heart Association's (AHA) Start! campaign, which provides participants with discounted pedometers and other tools to promote exercise. The most recent evidence supporting their use comes from a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Data pooled from 26 studies totaling 2,767 participants found that people who used pedometers walked about one mile more per day than those who did not use pedometers. Other benefits included a 27% average increase in physical activity, a 3.8mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure, and a 0.38- point decrease in body mass index. But pedometers alone didn't boost activity. The participants who benefited most recorded their progress in“step diaries” and set step goals, such as 10,000 per day. To achieve this goal, the AHA recommends adding 1,000 steps each week to your walking routine until you reach 10,000. Pedometers are not all created equal. According to a study from the University of Tennessee, piezoelectric pedometers (also called accelerometers) count the steps of overweight adults more accurately than less-expensive spring-levered pedometers, especially at slower walking speeds. Extra inches around the waist can cause pedometers to tilt and skew results in spring-levered models.
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
DECEMBER 2: Long Awaited plans for GREER PARK - City Staff and MRA will have a public meeting to review plans for last 1/5 acres of Greer as well as updates for the child area. Tentatively location is Friends School - front of property. Time 7:15PM meeting start.
ANOTHER STRONG ARMED MIDTOWN ROBBERY: RECYCLE your pumpkins at the Midtown Community Garden behind Baskin Robbins and the UPS Store. Just put them near the compost bins. They'll chop up and compost from there.
HOUSE FOR RENT: Abby writes: If you know of anyone, please send them my way. It's a 3 BR, 2 & 1/2 bath with all appliances, pool, yard, nicely located at the end of a very quiet cul de sac. It would be the perfect rental for someone remodelling who wants a fairly short-term lease. Contact her at abbydomine@yahoo.com
MYGYM Midtown membership appreciation: 2 classes a week for current members. Nov 10 - December 20.
Midtown Artist Martha Castillo says there us still room in her last workshop of the year on clay printing. Martha Castillo clayprint studios combines an Intro Workshop and a Refresher Day to round off the year. Beginners, join experienced clayprinters for a day, to learn this new skill.Current clayprinters, join us to brush up your technique. November 8 Combined Workshop! marthacastillo.net/workshops PLUS Holiday Boutique and Open Studio (772 Clara Drive) on November 22-23. Contact Martha 493-7763 or mail@marthcastillo.net.
Midtown artist Geri McGilvray reception at Kaleid Gallery (88 South 4th Street - corner of San Fernando in San Jose) on November 7 from 7 - 9 PM.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
Events at Stanford: See http://events.stanford.edu/
NOVEMBER 8-9: Friends of the Library Book Sale.
NOVEMBER 17: REVISED DATE: Community Meeting on New Affordable Housing Development for working families and seniors on Alma Street. at 7:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church; Fellowship Hall at 1140 Cowper Street. Park at the rear of the building or on the street Community Housing Alliance (CHA), a Palo Alto nonprofit housing organization and Eden Housing, Inc., also a nonprofit housing organization, plan to build 50 apartments affordable for working families and 50 apartments for seniors on Alma Street between Homer and Channing. The plans also include space for a new and expanded Palo Alto Hardware store along with other commercial spaces on the first floor of the two buildings.
Curtis Williams sends the monthly summary for Planning and Transportation Division projects and activities. It can be viewed online at: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pln/news/details.asp?NewsID=613&TargetID=85.
CITY COUNCIL: November 10: 6PM study session on Stanford Expansion Projects and Housing Needs Analysis. See http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=13312.
PARKS & REC COMMISSION - November 18 at 7 PM in city hall: Study Session - Discussion of development of a strategic plan as a companion document to the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Update to 2020, the scope of which would include arts & sciences, parks, human services and recreation
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION:
The City of Palo Alto has openings on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The deadline for applications is 5:30 PM Nov. 13th. For mote call the City Clerk's Office, 329-2571. If one of the incumbents does not reapply, the deadline will be extended to November 18.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Zumba Class: Zumba Fitness is like no other workout you will ever experience! Traditional salsa, samba, cumbia and merengue music is paired with red-hot international dance steps. Class on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays starting November 11 from 6:30-7:30 PM at Cubberley Community Center, Studio C. FEE: $10 drop-in.
NOVEMBER 8: Job Search Seminar from 9AM to Noon at Foothill College in Los Altos and is designed to help those seeking a new job reduce the time it takes to find a new one as well as maximize one's salary. This three hour seminar will be given by an Executive Recruiter with 20 years experience. FEE: $20. For more contact Angie Sheedy, Bay Area Career and Job Seekers Meetup Group at 461-9069.
NOVEMBER 8: Acterra presents Green@Home Webinar: Is Your House Suitable for Solar? from 10:00 - 11:00 AM & Tue., Nov 11, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. For more information contact Liz Muir at lizm@acterra.org
NOVEMBER 10: Derwood Baker Distinguished Lecture Series. Gordon Bower, an Albert Ray Lang Professor Emeritus of Psychology, will discuss “Facts, Fictions, and Foibles of Human Memory.” Held at Avenidas in La Comida from 2 to 3 PM. FREE: $3 if you’re a member/$5 non-member.
NOVEMBER 12: Avenidas is proud to be a community partner of the Positive Aging Conference, “Achieving Purpose, Meaning and Vitality in the Second Half of Life," to be held in Cupertino, hosted by The Leading Age Institute, Inc.
NOVEMBER 13: Dine for Kids, and Help PACCC: Dine at one of several participating restaurants and help Palo Alto Community Child Care at the same time! These restaurants will donate 10 25% of your tab to help PACCC provide quality childcare to low-income families. Eat, laugh, have a good time and support our children. New this year: Dine for Kids Online Auction. Dine out, bid at home or both! Find participating restaurants and auction details at NOVEMBER 13: USGS Monthly lecture at 7:00 PM. "Taking the Biological Pulse of Our Planet" at345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Conference Room A, Bldg 3. Details on flyer at a colorful flyer: http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/2008/nov08flyer.pdf
NOVEMBER 15: Please join Canopy at the next Planting Leader Training from 9 AM -11 AM at the Bol Park Playground, 3590 Laguna Avenue, located between Barron and Matadero Avenues.
NOVEMBER 19: Thriving with a Child with Physical Challenges: A free community conversation at 8:45 AM Hospitality; from 9 -11 AM Meeting at Covington Elementary School, Multipurpose Room; 205 Covington Rd in Los Altos (Midtown P.A. residents warmly welcome!). A special program focused specifically on the concerns and issues of parenting a child with a physical disability.
NOVEMBER 19: Free Genealogy Class. Find out more about your ancestors and long-lost relatives on at the Main Library at 1213 Newell Road. Librarians will show you how to use Heritage Quest and Ancestry.com, two vast online genealogical databases. While Ancestry.com can only be used for free at a library, your Palo Alto library card lets you access Heritage Quest from anywhere over the Internet without cost. The free class will also cover the Palo Alto Historical Association's collection of local photographs and news articles and runs from 10:30 Am until noon.
NOVEMBER 24, Elizabeth Traugott, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Linguistics and English, will talk about "English as a Global Language and Implications for the Future.” Both of these important discussions are held at Avenidas in La Comida from 2 to 3 PM. FEE: $3 if you’re a member/$5 non-member.
NOVEMBER 25: Were you an avid sun worshipper? Are you now concerned about your skin? Then make an appointment for the free Skin Cancer Screening, conducted by PAMF dermatologists, at Avenidas on Tuesday, November 25, from 9.30 to 10.30 AM. Please call 289-5400 for an appointment.
DECEMBER 6: Garden Club of Palo Alto's Holiday Affaire 2008 from 10 AM till 3PM. Specialty jams, barbecue sauces, tea cakes and candies along with a wide assortment of seasonal decorations, wreathes, centerpieces, tabletop trees, pots of >paper whites, succulents and many other garden- and plant-related holiday items, at Avenidas 450 Bryant Street in support of community horticultural projects. FREE: Join them for shopping!
DECEMBER 9 - 13: Holiday Luncheons at Gamble Garden. Tuesday, December 9 (SOLD OUT); Wednesday, December 10; Thursday, December 11;Friday, December 12 (SOLD OUT); or Saturday, December 13 at Noon. Delicious and festive holiday luncheon in Miss Gamble’s historic house. Our Holiday Luncheons are the perfect setting for your holiday outing, birthday celebration, ladies lunch, lunch date, committee get together, or book group. You will be seated in the historic Living Room, Dining Room, or the lovely Library. Lunch will be served to you as you relax and enjoy the holiday ambiance. A complimentary docent led tour of the historic home and beautiful gardens follow the luncheon, weather permitting. Gamble Garden Main House. Fee: $25 per person. To register: 329-1356 x 201. Reservations are required and space is limited, so call today to enjoy a wonderful and delicious holiday luncheon. http://www.gamblegarden.org
DECEMBER 24, 25: At the JCC: Chopshticks. Don't miss Gary Gulman of Last Comic Standing fame, performing live....at Ming’s Restaurant!! Help yourself to gourmet Chinese food and gut-busting comedy instead of spending the holidays alone.
OLD:
TIPS
Pat E sends this tip on re GREENspots near you.
Tips for Creating & Sustaining a new habit! (and more to come): Please share you bag-tips-that-work-for-you so that I can share them in this column!
Bring your Own Bag And Get Paid for Remembering: Palo Alto Recycling and community-based organizations encourage residents to bring their own bag and get paid for remembering! Paper? Plastic? Neither! Palo Alto recycling and a growing list of Palo Alto retail merchants thank you for remembering to bring reusable bags when you shop. Shop a long list of businesses and get rewarded with discounts or cash back. For more information and to learn your reward, visit http://www.ityofpaloalto.org/BYOBag.
Did you know that after February 17, 2009, analog TV sets getting free TV using an rooftop antenna or “rabbit ears” will no longer work, as all full-power TV stations in the US will switch to 100% digital broadcasting? To learn more about what you need to do to convert to digital,
http://www.avalonyoga.com FEE: $15.00 Advance/ $20.00 Day of event. http://avalonyoga.eventbrite.com
For more information, see website or email
Directions: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/about/directions/index.html.
RSVP to Elliot at community@midpenmedia.org
For more information on the sale or to donate, please see http://www.friendspaloaltolib.org/booksale.htm
http://www.saint-marks.com. For more, music@machutch.com or call Shulamit at 281-9663.
Sources: California Fire Safe Council, Shasta County Fire Safe Council, Firesafe Monterrey, Northern California Resource Center
Midtown News Update – October 23, 2008
Winter ice skating class sign ups will start Monday, November 17th at Winter Lodge from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The classes will start December 1st. For more information call 493-4566 or visit our website at www.winterlodge.com
http://cl.exct.net/?qs=b76d6b3d54ba06afd5f564e7bf70149e975fe411054e2c37
For more information, contact the Museum at 321-1004.
http://www.vivalamusica.org
For more information, email music@machutch.com or call Shulamit Hoffmann at 281-9663.
For more see http://www.lpch.org/newsEvents/EventsLectures/YourFamilysHealth/heartToHeart.html
Flyer at http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/2008/dec08flyer.pdf
Midtown News Update – October 16, 2008
NOTE: You can still recycle your pumpkins at the garden.
There will be a brief presentation of the plans at 7 PM, and then questions until 8:30 PM. Please join us!! For further information, please call CHA at 853-1788.
November 19, Alma Plaza tentative map including draft agreements for use of the community room and for the below-market rate units.
November 19, Zoning Ordinance amendments to require that hotels provide transient occupancy tax (TOT) in order to achieve maximum floor area allowances, and that “extended stay” (occupancy in excess of 30 days) be allowed only for a small portion of the rooms or that such stays provide full TOT for the entire stay. The code does not currently address long-term stays separate from other hotels.
NEW YORK TIMES article at http://arieff.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/decor-watch
ORIGINAL VIDEO INVITE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8di9Vpr6C-w&fmt=18
Sponsored by Artists in Action, this event will feature work by internationally recognized jeweler Carina Rossner, award-winning sculptress Fabienne Bismuth, and striking contemporary jeweler Eli Yasek. "Playing with Metal" is the theme of the art as you will see bronze sculpture, "Organic Silver" pendants, and "Orbits" rings in multiple precious metals. You can see samples of the work at www.carinascreationsjewelry.com, www.sculpturebyfab.com, and www.yasekdesignjewelry.com. On top of some fresh new pieces, there will be some great deals (up to 50% off) on discontinued collections and special clearance groups. 20% of all sales will go to support Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.
Location: 1022 Webster Street (cross street Addison and facing Addison Elementary)
1155 Waverley Street. See www.metalsculpture.com or www.shamey.com
** NOVEMBER 13: Dine for Kids, and Help PACCC: Restaurants will donate 10 25% of your tab to help PACCC provide quality childcare to low-income families. Eat, laugh, have a good time and support our children. New this year: Dine for Kids Online Auction. Dine out, bid at home or both! Find more at
** NOVEMBER 13: USGS Monthly lecture at 7:00 PM. "Taking the Biological Pulse of Our Planet" at 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, Conference Room A, Bldg 3. Details http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/2008/nov08flyer.pdf
** NOVEMBER 15: Canopy Planting Leader Training from 9 AM -11 AM at the Bol Park Playground, 3590 Laguna Avenue, located between Barron and Matadero Avenues.
** NOVEMBER 19: Thriving with a Child with Physical Challenges: from 8:45 AM Meeting at Covington Elementary School, Multipurpose Room; 205 Covington Rd in Los Altos. Focus is on the concerns and issues of parenting a child with a physical disability.
** NOVEMBER 19: Free Genealogy Class at the Main Library at 1213 Newell Road from 10:30 Am until noon. To register,
** NOVEMBER 22: Stanford ER 5 K Run & Community Day: Starts at 9 AM at the stadium. Music, food, give-aways, & art projects for children, For more information on the run, to register or volunteer www.StanfordERrun.org
** November 24: Elizabeth Traugott, PhD, will discuss "English as a Global Language and Implications for the Future.” Avenidas in La Comida from 2 to 3 PM. FEE: $3 if you’re a member/$5 non-member.
** NOVEMBER 25: Free Skin Cancer Screening, conducted by PAMF dermatologists, at Avenidas on Tuesday, November 25, from 9.30 to 10.30 AM.
Please call 289-5400 for an appointment.
** DECEMBER 6: Garden Club of Palo Alto's Holiday Affaire 2008 from at Avenidas 450 Bryant Street. FREE. For more email cbmalcolm@earthlink.net
** DECEMBER 9 - 13: Holiday Luncheons at Gamble Garden. A complimentary docent led tour of the historic home and beautiful gardens follow the luncheon. Fee: $25 per person. To register: 329-1356 x 201. Reservations required http://www.gamblegarden.org
** DECEMBER 24, 25: At the JCC: Chopshticks. Don't miss Gary Gulman of Last Comic Standing fame, performing live...at Ming’s Restaurant!! Chopshticks sells out fast, so buy your tickets in advance. FEE: $70/person. TIme: 6 PM. For more contact Boris Vladimirsky, Performing Arts and Émigré Director. Phone: 852-3509 email: bvladimirsky@paloaltojcc.org
Talk Art: Ten tips to help artists effectively market their work. Channel 27: Sat., Nov. 15 at 10 PM Present! Quantum physicist Dr. Amit Gosnami talks about a new paradigm in physics, which includes a conception of God that is both radically new, yet strangely familiar and in sync with religion. Channel 30: Fri., Nov. 14 at 12:30 PM, Sun., Nov. 16 at 7:30 PM.
Darlene Carman’s Painting Gourmet: Guest Manny Magallon, an artist who’s been working in ceramics for over 30 years, discusses his craft. Channel 27: Sat., Nov 15 at 5:30 PM
Veterans Helping Veterans: Representatives from EDD and the Santa Clara Veteran Employment Committee, talk about the resources available to assist veterans in their search for jobs and support services. Channel 30: Fri., Nov. 14 at 10 PM.
Live Poets Society: Local poets Robin Somers, K.T. Taggart, & Amy Erlich read selections from their work. Channel 27: Nov. 15 at 7 PM
Midtown News Update – November 6, 2008
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=9950. Witnesses are asked to call police dispatch at 329-2413 or the anonymous tip line at 329-2190.
PLUS Parent Shopping Days (ages: 2 years to 9 years old) from 9AM 1PM on Monday 11/24, Tuesday 11/25, Friday 11/28, Monday 12/22, Tuesday 12/23, and Friday 12/26. FEE: $40 members, $50 non-members. Siblings 1/2 off. Pizza will be provided. Must sign up for Parent Shopping Day(s). Questions: mygympa@sbcglobal.net.
Tons of new donations. Our new expanded hours continue this month, with a Saturday outdoor sale starting at 9 AM (weather permitting) outside the Main Room and the Bargain Room opening two hours earlier at 11 AM on Sunday. We still close at 4 PM on both days. This will be a great sale for holiday gift shopping including some wonderful whimsical quilt collages that will make you smile. The craftsmanship is beautiful - many of the pieces are appliqued with beads, velvet leaves or whimsical buttons. At just $5 each, these treasures make great inexpensive gifts for friends and family and will be available in the Main Room. Preview the shelves http://www.friendspaloaltolib.org/bookshelves.aspx.
There will be a brief presentation of the plans at 7 PM, and then questions until 8:30 PM. Please join us!! For further information, please call CHA at 853-1788.
NOTE: There is excellent detail about land use items in this document. Several short highlights below. See the web site for complete details.
The Council will also consider potential strategies for identifying housing sites and developing housing in response to the study, as part of the City’s Development Agreements with the applicants.
At 7PM on November 10, Joint meeting with the Historic Resources Board Regarding Issues Relating to Historic Preservation Also council will Approval of Contracts with: 1) Artist Bruce Beasley in the Amount of $190,000, and 2) Aaron Garfunkel Landscapes, Inc. in the Amount of $35,500, for the Creation and Installation of a New Fountain Replacing the Fountain on California Avenue November 17, council will consider adoption of an Ordinance amending the zoning designation for 420 Cambridge Avenue from Community Commercial 2 (CC(2)) to the California Avenue Pedestrian and Transit-Oriented Development (PTOD) Combining District for a four-story, mixed retail and residential (four units) project. This is the first project to be reviewed by the Council under the PTOD regulations.
November 12, Study session to consider the preliminary design and layout for the proposed Public Safety Building at 2785/2747 Park Blvd. The conceptual design will then be presented to Council in December.
November 19: Alma Plaza tentative map including draft agreements for use of the community room and for the below-market rate units. November 19, Zoning Ordinance amendments to require that hotels provide transient occupancy tax (TOT) in order to achieve maximum floor area allowances, and that “extended stay” (occupancy in excess of 30 days) be allowed only for a small portion of the rooms or that such stays provide full TOT for the entire stay. The code does not currently address long-term stays separate from other hotels.
Registration is $79, or $99 after Nov. 1, and includes food and conference materials.
Even if your child also has other disabilities, this will be a time when you can focus on the unique issues that a child with physical challenges faces. Chat, socialize, network, share, trade information, connect, listen and be heard. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of a community that can truly help.
To register: http://evanced.califa.org/paloalto/lib/eventcalendar.asp?Lib=ALL. Click here and then on the course description in the calendar listing for November 19.
For more:
Chopshticks is an annual local tradition that sells out, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance. FEE: $&0/person. TIme 6 PM. For more contact Boris Vladimirsky, Performing Arts and Émigré Director. Phone: 852-3509 email: bvladimirsky@paloaltojcc.org
SMaRT Station: 301 Carl Road, Sunnyvale 408-752-8530 Sunday - Saturday 8 AM - 5 PM The SMaRT station is a partnership between the city of Sunnyvale,Mt View and Palo Alto to collect electronic waste. Driver's licenses required. No e-waste from businesses. Accepted items include: TVs, Monitors, laptops, VCRs, DVD players, cell phones, radios, stereo components, gaming devices, microwaves, FAX machines, Printers, Keyboards, Mice, cables& Cords, Tape & Zip Drives, PC boards and much more see www.aslgreenspot.com
If you are in the store and find you have forgotten your bags in the car, make the extra effort and go out to the car and get them. Once you have done this a couple of times you will remember to take them into the store with you.
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